Abuja: The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles has mandated operators under its scheme to maintain reduced transport fares across the nation. Mr Ismaeel Ahmed, the Executive Chairman of Pi-CNG and EV, emphasized this directive during a discussion with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ahmed’s comments come amid rising concerns among passengers in the Federal Capital Territory regarding the transport fares charged by vehicles powered by compressed natural gas. Commuters have alleged that certain airport taxis and commercial buses involved in the initiative are not adhering to the approved fare structures, raising questions about the initiative’s monitoring efforts and its capacity to enforce compliance among operators.
Ahmed responded by affirming that all operators under the program have signed agreements to maintain reduced pricing structures. “There is an existing agreement with all operators signed up with us to maintain reduced pricing structures,” he stated. He further explained that monitoring personnel have been deployed, and channels have been established for passengers to report any complaints.
Despite these measures, Ahmed admitted that enforcement remains a challenge, particularly in areas where monitoring officials are absent. “Once we are not there, people increase their prices, and when we are there, they leave it reduced,” he noted, highlighting that similar compliance issues are present in other parts of Nigeria as well.
He mentioned that verified complaints from commuters have been investigated and resolved through the existing monitoring mechanisms. However, manpower limitations continue to impact broader enforcement and routine oversight operations. The initiative is currently collaborating with strategic partners to enhance route coverage and compliance across major transport corridors.
Ahmed revealed that expansion efforts are underway on routes such as Kubwa to improve service delivery and ensure fare compliance. He also appealed to the media to assist in promoting public awareness and supporting monitoring efforts related to the program. “The media has an important role in ensuring the public continues to benefit from this intervention,” he concluded. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)